Autumn Lancaster recognized for ‘lifesaving’ actions

MINTO – A local youth was recognized for “heroic and lifesaving actions” at the April 25 town council meeting.

Mayor Dave Turton presented Autumn Lancaster with a certificate of recognition for her response when her grandfather, Minto councillor Ed Podniewicz, was injured by a flying rock while driving his vehicle on Feb. 13.

“Councillor Podniewicz was driving his granddaughter, Autumn, to the hospital when a softball-sized rock flew through the window of his truck and struck him,” said Turton.

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“Despite her young age (16, and a novice driver) Autumn acted immediately, pulling her grandfather out of the truck, and taking the wheel herself.

"Knowing that she needed to move fast, Autumn found a cloth to apply pressure to the injury on his head and called 911 while beginning her drive to the hospital."

Turton added, “Despite the fear and panic she must have felt, Autumn showed great bravery and acted decisively, ensuring the best possible outcome for her grandfather.”

The mayor commended the youth for "her heroic and lifesaving actions.

“She showed great bravery and made a huge difference in the life of another."

Lancaster said, “The fact that I’m considered a hero to everybody’s eyes is amazing to me, because he was my rock in the situation, no matter what happened and to see him still standing here, it makes me very happy."